Celebrating 150 Years of the Wiegert Farm
Agriculture is a crucial part of Illinois’ identity, and the Wiegert family represents the very best of that tradition.
I want to personally congratulate Mark and Terri Wiegert on receiving the official designation as a Sesquicentennial Farm. This recognition means the Wiegert family has maintained continuous ownership of their farm in Pecatonica for 150 years, an extraordinary achievement.
Reaching this milestone reflects generations of hard work, dedication, and stewardship of the land. It is one of the highest honors in the farming community and speaks to the commitment required to preserve such an important legacy.
Farming families like the Wiegerts are vital to the 45th District and a source of pride for our community. We are grateful for the work they put in day in and day out, and we hope this proud tradition continues for generations to come.
Helping Pets Find Homes Before Christmas
On Saturday, my staff and I partnered with Friends Forever Humane Society to host one of my favorite events of the year. More than 40 people joined us at our Pet Rescue Fair to meet adoptable dogs and cats and help them find loving homes before Christmas.
Following the event, Friends Forever Humane Society received applications for several of the animals, a great sign that many of these pets are on their way to finding their forever families.
A special thank you to Carol Falconer and the incredible staff at Friends Forever Humane Society. They are always a pleasure to work with, and this event would not be possible without their dedication. They run an outstanding shelter and provide exceptional care for every animal.
I also want to thank everyone who came out to support the event and help connect these pets with their future homes. I cannot wait to see how many families welcomed a new addition this holiday season.
Pritzker Rejects Federal Tax Relief
On Friday, December 12, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1911 into law, locking in higher taxes on Illinois businesses, manufacturers, and job creators. The new law rejects federal tax relief that was put in place to help employers invest, grow, and stay competitive, forcing Illinois companies to pay more just to operate here.
Critics warn the move makes Illinois even less competitive as other states cut taxes and actively recruit new businesses. With one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, this tax hike sends a clear message: Illinois is choosing higher taxes over economic growth.
I am ashamed that the Governor is chasing short-term revenue at the expense of long-term economic stability. This policy will raise costs, push jobs and investment out of Illinois, and make it harder for working families to get ahead at a time when the state should be focused on growth, not punishment.
Pritzker Signs Law Allowing Assisted Suicide
Last week, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950 into law, allowing terminally ill adults to request life-ending medication. The law permits the drugs to be taken without a doctor present and fails to set clear standards for securing or recovering unused doses, raising serious questions about oversight and safety.
Experts warn the policy puts seniors and people with disabilities at risk, especially those who may feel pressure to choose death out of fear of being a burden on their families. With limited safeguards and weak enforcement, the law opens the door to abuse while offering little reassurance to vulnerable patients.
With the Governor’s signature, Illinois now joins a small group of states that allow physician-assisted suicide. Opponents argue the state took the wrong path, choosing a permanent and irreversible option instead of investing in palliative care, hospice services, and mental health support that preserve dignity without ending life.
Illinois should never advance policies that weaken trust in the health care system or make vulnerable residents question their worth. The state can and should do better by expanding care, strengthening support networks, and ensuring no one feels their only option is to end their life.
